Linda Ibrahim of Bikram Yoga Southside

They are the future for Glasgow and the west of Scotland's economy and are working hard to achieve success in the face of continuing economic hardship. Many businesses are struggling to take off because of the economic downturn, and this column will offer advice for potential start-ups and small businesses.

Each company will answer the same questions about their business and their answers will appear in the Evening Times each Wednesday.

This week we talk to Linda Ibrahim of Birkam Yoga Southside.

WHO ARE YOU?

Linda Ibrahim. I co-own Bikram Yoga Southside with Louis Stewart.

WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS DO?

We teach Bikram's 26 posture hatha yoga series.

Classes last 90 minutes and are performed in a room heated to 42 degrees Celsius.

We cater for all ages and abilities from advanced practitioners to complete beginners.

We have spacious, luxurious changing and shower facilities for male and female clients.

The studio can hold up to 50 people and we run classes seven days a week.

The studio also has a juice bar where customers can relax and socialise after class.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

We are based in Eastwood Avenue in Shawlands, just off Kilmarnock Road.

This location ticked all of our boxes: it's just off the main road but still visible and easy to find.

It's easy to access by car, bus or train, and there is a large car park with a capacity of 250 outside.

We are delighted to be in the heart of Shawlands.

It is a vibrant area with a great sense of community

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I was inspired by the profound impact that Bikram Yoga had made on my life.

After completing Bikram's teacher training, I felt compelled to promote health and wellbeing in my hometown.

The first step was to make the decision to go for it and not look back.

We started looking for a property around two years ago.

We were extremely fortunate as we found the space quite quickly.

From the first meeting with our landlord 18 months ago he has been very supportive.

WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND?

I have a degree in Pyschology and previously worked as a primary school teacher.

I qualified at Bikram's Yoga College of India in November 2010 and have been teaching yoga ever since.

Louis has 10 years experience in retail and currently works as a general manager in the motor industry.

WHAT IS YOUR TOP TIP?

Work hard, have a plan and never give up.

HOW LONG HAS YOUR BUSINESS BEEN RUNNING?

We opened our doors on June 21 this year.

It has taken us two years and a lot of hard work to get to this point and we are delighted to finally be up and running.

HAS ANYONE HELPED YOU GET STARTED AND HOW?

We have been fortunate to have worked with a fantastic team of contractors, Ross, Laidlaw & Sons Ltd.

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